Arsenal Football Club is reportedly considering a move for striker Alvaro Morata following their unsuccessful bid to secure Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. According to MailOnline, the Gunners are keen to enhance their attacking options as they grapple with injuries to key players, notably Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. This situation has intensified scrutiny on the club's recruitment strategy, particularly in light of ongoing concerns regarding their striking depth.
Arsenal's interest in Watkins was genuine, with the 29-year-old forward expressing a desire to join the club, having been a supporter in his youth. However, Aston Villa were steadfast in their decision to retain him, particularly after the recent acquisition of Jhon Duran, which made them less inclined to part with another forward.
As reported by The Athletic, Arsenal's search for a striker continues, with the club contemplating a loan deal for Morata, who currently captains the Spanish national team. The 32-year-old forward, who moved to AC Milan last summer, has found it challenging to secure consistent playing time, netting only five goals in 16 league appearances this season. Although Arsenal initially showed interest, Morata ultimately opted for a move to Galatasaray, who presented a more attractive offer.
With the transfer window now closed, Arsenal chose not to bring in an additional striker, leaving Kai Havertz as their primary fit centre-forward. While Leandro Trossard is capable of fulfilling that role, the squad is currently lacking width due to Saka's ongoing injury issues.
Recent performances may have eased some of the urgency surrounding Arsenal's attacking options. The team delivered an emphatic 5-1 victory over Manchester City, with five different players finding the net. This included Havertz, who celebrated his 15th goal of the season, underscoring the team's attacking potential despite the challenges posed by injuries.
Looking ahead, Arsenal's focus will shift to the Carabao Cup, where they are set to face Newcastle in the second leg of the semi-final, aiming to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first match. This upcoming clash promises to be a crucial test as the Gunners strive to maintain their competitive edge in domestic competitions.